Ohio Wildlife Council sets migratory hunting dates

COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Wildlife Council has approved dates for early migratory bird hunting this year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. There is little change to this year's early migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits from 2000. Ohio's morning dove, early Canada goose, teal, rail, moorhen, and snipe hunting seasons open statewide Sept. 1. Doves may be hunted Sept. 1 through Oct. 16 and Nov. 2 through Nov. 25 with a daily bag limit of 12 and a possession limit of 24 birds. Goose: The statewide early Canada goose season runs Sept. 1 through 15 with a daily bag limit of five and a possession limit of 10, except the daily bag and possession limit is two Canada geese within the Crane Creek/Ottawa, Mosquito Creek, Mercer, and Killdeer Plains mandatory reporting zones. Teal and rails: Teal may be hunted statewide Sept. 1 through 16 with a daily bag limit of four and possession limit of eight birds. Sora and Virginia rails may be hunted Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 with a daily bag and possession limit of 25 birds. Moorhens (gallinule) may be hunted Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 with a daily bag limit of 15 and a possession limit of 30. Snipe may be hunted Sept. 1 through Nov. 25 and from Dec. 3 through 23 with a daily bag limit of eight and a possession limit of 16. Woodcock may be hunted Oct. 12 through Nov. 25 with a daily bag limit of three and a possession limit of six. People planning to hunt any migratory birds, including all waterfowl, are required to answer several questions for the Harvest Information Program survey when purchasing their hunting licenses. A state wetland habitat stamp endorsement and a valid and signed federal duck stamp are required in addition to a hunting license when hunting waterfowl such as Canada geese and teal. The new 2001-2002 hunting licenses, wetland stamps, and permits go on sale Aug. 16.